Dachshund

An Adventurous & Curious Friend

Independent, bold, playful

Dachshunds are fearless, loving, and upbeat dogs that can be miniature or standard sized. These short-legged dogs are protective, but thrive on close human companionship. Doxies make great companions for city dwellers, families with older children, singles, and those who enjoy the outdoors. Moderate daily exercise will help them stay healthy and happy.

Understanding their unique needs will help keep them healthy and create a strong bond between the two of you. Explore this page to learn more about the breed’s history, health concerns, characteristics, and care needs.

Breed Details

Height:5-9 in.Weight:20-49 lbLifespan:12-15 years

Size

3

1=small 5=large

Grooming requirements

3

1 = little grooming - 5 = much grooming

Energy level

4

1 = low energy - 5 = high energy

Ease of training

2

1 = difficult - 5 = easy

Affection toward owners

3

1 = independent - 5 = very affectionate

Friendliness toward strangers

Routine Care: Dachshund are smart dogs with lots of energy, so keep their mind and body active, or they'll get bored. That's when the naughty stuff starts. They can have a high prey drive, so they need to be leash walked and a sturdy fence is a must. They have short legs and a long back so be careful how you pick them up and don’t let them jump down from furniture.

Grooming: Depending on coat type, their grooming needs may vary from a weekly brushing to regular clipping.

Dental: Dachshunds often have serious problems with their teeth, so you’ll need to brush them at least three times a week!

Ear Care: Clean their ears weekly, even as a puppy. Don’t worry—your veterinarian
can show you how!

The Dachshund is a small dog with a big personality. They are loving and loyal companions with a tendency to be independent and stubborn.

Positive Traits:

Energetic and playful

Small, but sturdy

Vigilant watchdog with a ready bark

Bold, steady, and fearless

Adaptable to a wide variety of living conditions

Devoted, loyal, and protective

Negative Traits:

Exhibits signs of separation anxiety if left alone too much

Needs early socialization to accept other pets and strangers

Likes to dig

Can be independent and strong-willed

Can be snappy when nervous

Needs frequent attention from their family

Whether you are considering adding a new Dachshund to your family or you already have one as a companion, it is important for you to know about the genetically linked diseases known to occur more often in this breed. Of course not every Dachshund will have these problems, but research shows your pal is more at risk than other breeds.

By exploring the health concerns specific to the Dachshund you will become a knowledgeable and confident pet parent. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian about breed risks every time you visit and educate yourself on the most important signs to watch for at home. They are counting on you to be their health expert.

The Dachshund was originally bred to hunt badgers in Germany during the 1600’s – that takes a fearless personality! The characteristic body shape, long and low, was developed so that the Dachshund could fit into underground dens. Doxies come in two sizes: standard or miniature, and three coat varieties: smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired. Dachshunds are protective and territorial, but they thrive on close human companionship. The Dachshund is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12-15 years.

Consult with a veterinarian if your Dachshund shows signs of the following:

Drinks and urinates more, eats more, potbelly, poor haircoat

Coughing, especially at night or upon rising after sleeping, rapid breathing at rest

Slow or stunted growth; sometimes seizures after eating

Blinking, redness, pain or itchiness around the eyes

Squinting, watery eyes, bluing cornea, redness, enlarged eye

Cloudiness to eye lens

Redness, squinting or greenish eye discharge

Increased hunger and thirst, weight loss

Pain or straining to urinate, bloody urine

General reluctance to run or play

Increasing hip pain at less than a year old

Any abnormal shaking, trembling, or excessive involuntary tremors

Dry, scaly, sometimes itchy hairless patches on face or paws

Care

Routine Care: Dachshund are smart dogs with lots of energy, so keep their mind and body active, or they'll get bored. That's when the naughty stuff starts. They can have a high prey drive, so they need to be leash walked and a sturdy fence is a must. They have short legs and a long back so be careful how you pick them up and don’t let them jump down from furniture.

Grooming: Depending on coat type, their grooming needs may vary from a weekly brushing to regular clipping.

Dental: Dachshunds often have serious problems with their teeth, so you’ll need to brush them at least three times a week!

Ear Care: Clean their ears weekly, even as a puppy. Don’t worry—your veterinarian
can show you how!

Characteristics

The Dachshund is a small dog with a big personality. They are loving and loyal companions with a tendency to be independent and stubborn.

Positive Traits:

Energetic and playful

Small, but sturdy

Vigilant watchdog with a ready bark

Bold, steady, and fearless

Adaptable to a wide variety of living conditions

Devoted, loyal, and protective

Negative Traits:

Exhibits signs of separation anxiety if left alone too much

Needs early socialization to accept other pets and strangers

Likes to dig

Can be independent and strong-willed

Can be snappy when nervous

Needs frequent attention from their family

Health Concerns

Whether you are considering adding a new Dachshund to your family or you already have one as a companion, it is important for you to know about the genetically linked diseases known to occur more often in this breed. Of course not every Dachshund will have these problems, but research shows your pal is more at risk than other breeds.

By exploring the health concerns specific to the Dachshund you will become a knowledgeable and confident pet parent. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian about breed risks every time you visit and educate yourself on the most important signs to watch for at home. They are counting on you to be their health expert.

History

The Dachshund was originally bred to hunt badgers in Germany during the 1600’s – that takes a fearless personality! The characteristic body shape, long and low, was developed so that the Dachshund could fit into underground dens. Doxies come in two sizes: standard or miniature, and three coat varieties: smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired. Dachshunds are protective and territorial, but they thrive on close human companionship. The Dachshund is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12-15 years.

Watch Out For

Consult with a veterinarian if your Dachshund shows signs of the following:

Drinks and urinates more, eats more, potbelly, poor haircoat

Coughing, especially at night or upon rising after sleeping, rapid breathing at rest

Slow or stunted growth; sometimes seizures after eating

Blinking, redness, pain or itchiness around the eyes

Squinting, watery eyes, bluing cornea, redness, enlarged eye

Cloudiness to eye lens

Redness, squinting or greenish eye discharge

Increased hunger and thirst, weight loss

Pain or straining to urinate, bloody urine

General reluctance to run or play

Increasing hip pain at less than a year old

Any abnormal shaking, trembling, or excessive involuntary tremors

Dry, scaly, sometimes itchy hairless patches on face or paws

Dachshund
Discussions

Share your thoughts and experiences, ask questions, or just show your love for the Dachshund breed here!

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